I have always disliked the concept of fines.
In theory people bring borrowed materials back promptly to avoid an unpleasant surcharge. Further, there is an underlying assumption that a low level of financial punishment is appropriate when rules are violated. In part, fines are justified as an “educational” experience.
In practice, fines become a nuisance fee for regular library users, a barrier to use for the poor, and a source of ongoing arguments between library users and circulation staff that are left with the unenviable job of collections. Those who can afford fines often happily pay with the assumption that their “contribution” is being used to strengthen the library’s collection.
Those who really can’t afford to pay are often blocked from further borrowing even though materials have been returned. Even more troubling is the fact that many families of moderate and low income refuse to let their children have library cards due to potential liability for overdue material.
Library staff dreads the confrontational customer. The arguments are many and varied but the usual claim is that materials were returned promptly and somehow there were internal processing errors within the library that caused the problem. The exchanges tend to be less than cordial
If my statements above are valid then why not simply eliminate fines? Des Moines Public Library generates nearly a quarter of a million dollars in fine revenue annually. Our funding source, the City of Des Moines, anticipates those funds when establishing our budget each year. In other words, we have become dependent on the revenue.
Is there a viable solution? The answer is a definite maybe.
First, we need to discover if the community is willing to support a fine free library. In this area the public library should reflect local sentiment.
Second, we need to determine if the $250,000 in revenue can be replaced. Will individuals or corporations be willing to step up and contribute on a regular basis to support a fine free library? I can envision XYZ Corp. and/or John Smith contributes $22,500 to make August fine free at the Des Moines Public Library.
I’d be interested in your thoughts. Is fine free something to work towards or simply a waste of time.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Why fines?
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3 comments:
Fine-free libraries sound nice on the surface. However, the City of Des Moines depends on the revenue generated by the fines, and will demand the libraries have an alternative source of revenue to replace the $250,000. This revenue also determines the library's budget for the coming year.
The main issue would be to find donors willing to give substantially to the library system, and/or have overwhelming community support-both on an ongoing basis. Thank You.
Fines also help provide incentive for people to bring books back on time.
If I was on a wait list for a book from a fine-free library, I suspect the average wait time would be longer.
Could you eliminate fines just for kids? Could you give vouchers for fine-free library memberships to low income people? I agree that some small fine is important to keep material circulating.
My income rose sharply about two years ago. Where once the library was a godsend because I could read and watch movies cheaply, I now find myself easily able to pay late charges and buy books at the sales. I would like to support the library more. I wish there were some fair and easy way for people like me to contribute more money in regular and small amounts. I like having to pay for movies. I don't like blind donations.
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